After the evening meal, Fletcher spouts off stories about friends back in Belvidere, Illinois. Mr Corkel, the gas meter reader, enters with a problem. His apprentice, and brother in law, Orville is with him with a pressing matter to discuss with the Gooks.

Fletcher persists in telling his highly amusing anecdotes, refusing to be interrupted by anything. Corkel and Orville blurt out the news. ?Orville Sweenie has been fired from the gas company. O the tragedy! O the drama! What will become of Orville’s poor sister and mother?

Why is Corkel bringing the problem to Vic? Maybe Vic can get him a job at the kitchenware company? Does Vic even have any power to hire new employees? Is Vic such a close friend and chum to accept Orville with open arms? To lay on the guilt trip and influence Vic, Corkel’s mother in law is to come over to sway Vic on Orville’s behalf. Even with all the hard sell, does Vic